@Peter-Molnar 10 August 2025 more from that month

What I Wish I Knew Before Studying ICT

When I first started studying ICT, I thought it will be only about computers. Like turning them on, maybe typing, and learning how to use some programs. But I was very wrong. ICT is big. It is more than just computer things. It’s systems, networks, data, software, security — and a lot of thinking. I wish someone told me earlier that ICT is not just one thing. It is many things together. It’s like, every topic opens another door, and behind the door is more topics. At first I felt like I am walking into a maze. It’s not easy to see the full picture when you’re just beginning. Another thing I wish I knew — you don’t need to understand everything at once. In the beginning, I tried to understand everything quickly. I thought I must remember all technical words, all concepts, and if I don’t get it, I felt like I was failing. But later I understand that ICT is not about memorising. It’s about learning how things connect, and building your understanding step by step. Like blocks. Also, it’s okay to feel confused. I spent too much time being scared of asking questions. I thought maybe others will think I’m slow, or maybe my question is stupid. But now I know, even the people who look like they understand everything — they also have doubts. Everyone has gaps, just in different places. One thing I didn’t expect also — problem solving is everywhere in ICT. If something breaks or doesn’t work, it’s your job to figure it out. That means you need patience. Sometimes small problem takes hours to fix. Sometimes you fix something and make a new problem. This was frustrating for me, honestly. I didn’t like to make mistakes. But then I learned that mistakes are part of the job. Actually, you learn more from fixing a problem than just reading a solution. And don’t even get me started on how many tools and platforms exist. You learn one, then someone says, “Oh, now we use another one.” That made me feel like my learning was never complete. But maybe that’s the point — in ICT, learning never finishes. There’s always new software, new updates, new ways to do the same task. It can feel overwhelming. But now I see it like a challenge. Like a moving train, you just need to keep jumping on it. Also, please — don’t ignore the basics. When I started, I wanted to learn the big stuff quickly. Like programming or networks. But I didn’t spend enough time learning the small things, like how file systems work, or how to manage folders properly, or how to use shortcuts. Later, I realised those basics make your life so much easier when you're dealing with the big stuff. Lastly, I wish I knew that ICT is not just technical — it’s about people too. Communication is important. Teamwork. Listening. Explaining technical things in simple way. You don’t just work with machines, you work with people who use the machines. So soft skills? Very important. So if you are thinking to study ICT, or just starting — don’t worry if it feels hard. It’s normal. Just take one step, then another. Ask questions. Make mistakes. Try again. The journey is not straight line, but it’s worth it. Looking back now, I didn’t know many things. But maybe that’s okay. Learning is not only about knowing — it’s also about growing.